Agency

IISL/ECSL Symposium

23/04/2025 4836 views 5 likes

ESA / About Us / ECSL - European Centre for Space Law

This event is co-organised annually with the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and takes place during the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) in Vienna, Austria. The IISL and ECSL are both observers at the Legal Subcommittee.

This Symposium brings together academic experts and leading practitioners in the field of space law, policy and regulation to discuss pressing issues and to propose solutions to the international community.

This year's symposium will be held on the 14th of May 2025, from 10.00 to 13.00 in Room M-Plenary of the Vienna International Centre. A panel of prestigious speakers will discuss the following subject: "Due regard in outer space: current legal implications" during the morning session of the 64th Legal Subcommittee of the UNCOPUOS.

You can find all relevant information in the slider below.

The 2025 Symposium

IISL/ECSL Symposium 2025 General information

The exploration and use of outer space has become an integral part of the economic and technological development of all Countries. Ensuring the rational, safe, and sustainable uses of space has therefore become essential to preserve the critical reliance of our daily lives on the services that it provides.

A key role in achieving this fundamental objective to be played by the legal principle of due regard, as enshrined in Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty. Given the increasing number of space actors and space objects, the continuous evolution of space technology, as well as the steady growth of the global space economy, it is vital to reflect on the legal implications and practical implementation of the due regard principle in modern times.

The IISL/ECSL Symposium will therefore provide State Members of the Legal Subcommittee with expert insights on the principle of due regard to help them build capacity and navigate contemporary legal challenges, promoting international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space for the benefit of all humanity.

This year's Symposium will be in person only.

From 13th to 14th of May, 12 students will have the opportunity to attend the Symposium with the ECSL and experience the discussions held at the Legal Subcommittee as observers!

If you are interested in attending the LSC and the Symposium please submit:

Personal information: Your full name as in passport, nationality and email address (For UN Security purposes)
Statement: 250 word statement of why this is a relevant opportunity for your work/studies.

Applications should be submitted before Wednesday 23, 23.59 CET

The requested documents and personal information should be sent to the ECSL Office (ecsl@esa.int).

Selected candidates will be notified within 3 open days of the outcome of the Selection Committee.

Please note that the ECSL will not cover any expenses, and that invited students will have to organise their trip and cover the costs associated with participating themselves.

More information about the work of the Legal Subcommittee and previous IISL/ECSL Symposia is available here: www.unoosa.org and below.

Previous IISL/ECSL Symposia

2022 Symposium - National Laws and Regulations to Ensure Space Sustainability
5 April
Presentations of the Symposium available here: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2022/symposium.html

2021 Symposium - Space Law for the Global Space Economy
8 June
Presentations of the Symposium available here: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2021/symposium.html

2020 Symposium - (Cancelled amid covid-19)

2019 Symposium - The Moon Agreement Revisited: The Road Ahead
1 April
Presentations of the Symposium available here: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2019/symposium.html

2018 Symposium- The 50th Anniversary of the Rescue and Return Agreement: Relevance and Challenges
9 April
Presentations of the Symposium available here:https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2019/symposium.html

2017 Symposium - Legal Models for Exploration, Exploitation and Utilization of Space Resources 50 Years After the Adoption of the Outer Space Treaty
27 March
Presentations of the Symposium available here: http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/lsc/2017/symposium.html

2016 Symposium - Registration Convention and Today's Practical Issues
4th April 2016

Presentations of the Symposium

2015 Symposium - Space Traffic Management
13th April 2015

Presentations of the Symposium

2014 Symposium - Regulatory Needs for Very Small Satellites
24th March 2014

Presentations of the Symposium

2013 Symposium - The UNIDROIT Space Protocol
8th April 2013

Presentations of the Symposium

2012 Symposium - Transfer of Ownership of Space Objects: Issues of Responsibility, Liability and Registration
9th March 2012

Programme of the Symposium

2011 Symposium - A Fresh Look on the Delimitation of Airspace and Outer Space
28th March 2011

Presentations of the Symposium